| May
|
|
1 |
National
Day of Prayer observance in Abington. Sponsored by Pastor
United in Prayer, a special service will be held at First Baptist
Church of Crestmont, 1678 Fairview Avenue (corner of Rubicam
& Fairview), Willow Grove, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This service
is open to the community. Call the church for more information:
215-659-9528. |
| 1 |
National
Day of Prayer is observed the first Thursday in May. For
the first time in U.S. history, a bill enacting a permanent
national day of prayer passed both houses in an unusual bi-partisan
effort and was signed into law by President Reagan. This law
amends a 1952 law which required the president to proclaim a
day of his choosing each year. President Reagan urged "...the
citizens of this great nation to gather together on that day
in homes and places of worship to pray, each after his or her
own manner, for unity of hearts of all mankind." |
| 5 |
Cinco
de Mayo A date of great importance in the Mexican and Chicano
communities when they celebrate Mexico's victory over the French
army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is a symbol of Mexican
unity and patriotism. Cinco de Mayo has become more of a Chicano
holiday than a Mexican one and is celebrated on a much larger
scale in the United States than in Mexico. People of Mexican
descent enjoy and participate in parades, mariachi music, folklorico
dancing, and other types of festive activities. |
| 10 |
Day
of Non-Violence Optimist Day of Non-Violence falls on Saturday
of Respect for Law Week to encourage peace and harmony within
communities throughout the world. This day is sponsored by Optimist
International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 800-500-8130.
Local chapters can be reached at Optimist Club of Willow Grove,
Box 60, Willow Grove, PA 19090 or Optimist Club of Lower Montgomery
County: 215-663-0489. |
| 10 |
Glenside
Candlelight Vigil in honor of Buddha's birthday: To pray
for peace, the community is invited to participate in the Won
Buddhist Temple's candlelight vigil in honor of Buddha's birthday.
The vigil will begin at the Temple, 423 Abington Avenue at 8:00
p.m. It will process around the Temple and move on to the Won
Buddhist Institute of Graduate Studies at 137 Easton Road. |
| 11 |
Mother's
Day Since 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson issued the
first proclamation making Mother's Day an official national
holiday, Mother's Day has been observed on the second Sunday
in May in the United States. This day grew out of the efforts
of a Philadelphia woman, Anna Jarvis, who in 1907 began a letter-writing
campaign with her friends to gain the support of influential
ministers, businessmen, and congressmen for such a day. She
felt children often neglected to appreciate their mother enough
while she was still alive. She hoped Mother's Day would increase
respect for parents and strengthen family bonds. |
| 26 |
Memorial
Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance
for those who have died in our nation's service. It is a state
and federal holiday that is celebrated on the last Monday in
May. It has been observed since 1868 when flowers were placed
on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington
National Cemetery. |
| 29 |
Ascension
Day is celebrated the Thursday that is approximately 40
days after Easter to commemorate Christ's ascension into heaven.
In the Roman Catholic Church, it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Some Protestant churches also hold services. |
